“When the Buddhists were looking for a place to build their monastery and create their home, they chose Cape Breton — and that speaks volumes about the special spirituality and connections that exists here.”

Featuring 14 unforgettable events for 2014, the island will be bustling during the tourism season. Exciting new festivals, events, and cultural opportunities are the foundation for the many phenomenal experiences.

One of the first “Events with Heart” to kick off the season is the Aboriginal Day Pow Wow on June 21, that will highlight truly traditional Mi’Kmaq food, art, and storytelling in the historic and inspiring setting of the Fortress of Louisbourg.

The 2013 celebration of the Fortress’ 300th anniversary was a phenomenal program that brought thousands of new faces to the region, and the Fortress is ready to build upon last year’s success.

Louisburg is also hosting the annual CultureFête! from July 25-27, which will feature local artisans, entertainment, and food in a casual, market-style atmosphere.

New to the island in 2014 is KitchenFest (Fèis a’Chidsin), an island-wide kitchen party with 60 shows taking place in 10 different locations, giving you plenty of opportunities to kick up your heels at a true Cape Breton ceilidh!

Running from June 29-August 5, KitchenFest is being organized by the Gaelic College (Colaisde na Gàidhlig), which is the only place in North America that still teaches and celebrates Gaelic learning.

In addition to the Aboriginal and Celtic cultures that live and breathe on the island, the village of Cheticamp is all about being true to the Acadian heritage.

Cheticamp and its close surroundings are home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the island, and also to the Festival de l’Escaouette from July 13-August 15. This festival showcases the pride and local life of the Acadian community.

Vibrant musical celebrations will continue throughout the season and are sure to present the talent and spirit for which Cape Breton is known and celebrated. Helping to foster that talent is the island’s own Gordie Sampson.

Through his yearly Songcamp, he and others like Carleton Stone and Steve MacDougall bring talent to life in young aspiring artists. Just a few of the success stories so far include Dylan Guthro, Mo Kenney and Dave Sampson.

After the camp is finished, the participants — along with Gordie himself — showcase the incredible results of their songwriting experience in a concert at the iconic Keltic Lodge on July 17.

Open to locals and guests, Tulle says it’s a really special opportunity to see the graduates do their first-ever performance.

This summer marks the second year for the Acoustic Roots Festival in Two Rivers Wildlife Park, taking place from August 21-31. Guests will be entertained by a variety of genres including folk music, Celtic music, country, and bluegrass.

And although they won’t be playing fiddles, locals and visitors alike are pumped for the upcoming Aerosmith and Slash concert. The rock legends are stopping in Sydney on September 12 for a one-day outdoor rock festival called Cape Fest 2014. It’s the only stop they’re making in Atlantic Canada as part of their “Let Rock Rule” tour, as they travel directly from Istanbul to Cape Breton Island.

Cape Breton inspires talent in many forms, and island artisans are no exception. Many open their studios to visitors so they can watch the creative process. Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery features different artisans every two weeks, so you can see everything from jewelry-making to glass-blowing as masterpieces are created.

Another phenomenal festival in its second year is the five-day Race the Cape challenge (July 18-24). Race the Cape is a fantastic sailing expedition through Canada’s largest in-land sea, the Bras d’Or Lake, and along the coast. Each evening you will stop at a different location for food and festivities, combining the exhilaration of the race with a true taste of the Cape Breton on-land experiences.

Included on the list of attributes for which the island is often praised is the quality of the golf product. While Cape Breton has always been a notable golf destination, the island — in particular the beautiful community of Inverness — has been reaping the benefits of having a new, world-class course.

“When you talk about golf in Canada, two words come together: Cabot Links,” says Tulle. “This will be Cabot Links’ second full season, and being named the No. 1 golf course in Canada — as well as placing in the Top 100 courses worldwide — has just brought so much attention to our island.”

Two major golf events will take place on Cape Breton this summer: the PGA Tour’s Cape Breton Celtic Classic (September 1-7), and the Ceilidh Cup (July 7-8) — which is a fundraiser for Gordie Sampson’s Songcamp.

With the Songcamp as the beneficiary, the entertainment is expectedly remarkable. Past years’ entertainers have included Jimmy Rankin and JP Cormier.

While Cape Breton will be hopping all summer long, Tulle says it’s Celtic Colours International Festival (October 10-18) that is the island’s “flagship event” every autumn. This year’s festival will include 46 concerts across 32 communities, as well as more than 200 community cultural events.

The music, adventure and hospitality are ready to embrace guests for another incredible and memorable season on Cape Breton Island.

For more information on things to see and do on Cape Breton Island this summer, please call 1-888-562-9848 or visit www.cbisland.com.